getaway

Matt and I got to escape for 6 days on a trip to California, just the two of us. We haven't done anything like that for years. It was so good to be able to be with him, to be able to focus on him and give him a little extra attention. Matt thrives on the time we get to be together just us, whether it be a date night, a relaxing evening after the kids are in bed, or a vacation. I love him to pieces, but life gets busy and a lot of times we put our time on the back burner. I forget how much of an impact it has on us as a couple, until we do get that special time and we both feel so refreshed, rejuvenated, and reminded of how much we really enjoy and love each other. I am absolutely sure that this quick little getaway was just what I needed and I think that it was what he needed too. I am grateful that we got the chance to sneak away.


The night we flew in we got to stay with Chlo. She's Dave's mom and I am totally in love with her. She is about the sweetest person in the world. I want to adopt her as my own. She got this sweet trike for Christmas and I was so happy watching her ride it around--especially with Molly in the basket in the back. How cute it that?! Chlo is so hospitable, thoughtful, and has always treated us like her family. She acts like she's known and loved us forever.

We all spent the day in San Fransisco doing the touristy things. We visited the pier, Golden Gate bridge and park, China town, and drove all over the place.

I had fun pushing Matt around. Even though it was a beautiful day, the wind was blowing so pushing him kept me warm. I had fun hanging on as we cruised down ramps, but a few times we got a little crazy and we almost lost control. We were laughing and it reminded me of how Matt and I used to always act silly and play.

We wanted to tour Alcatraz but it was sold out. That place fascinates me and I think it's totally creepy.

China town was fun and I wanted to buy all of the cheap, fresh produce--and that's about all I wanted. The markets were packed and I think we made a few people irritated when we were taking pictures and videos of the employees catching the fish and chopping up all the who-knows-what from who-knows-where. Caleb and I had fun trying to guess which pieces were what organs. I just assume not eat most of that stuff.

I can't possibly imagine why they wouldn't want us hanging out in the store...

The Palace of Fine Art was beautiful. They were remodeling part of it so we couldn't walk through the columns and get a closer look. I would have loved that. It's the kind of place I'd want to go on a warm, sunny day and just sit and read and watch people walk by.

Matt is so handsome, and look at that smile! It's the same big smile he had the day I met him. His smile didn't look like that for quite a while and I'm so happy it's back.

The Golden Gate bridge was especially beautiful because it was such a clear day.

The reason we went to California was to attend Ethan and Nathalie's wedding. Ethan has been a friend of Matt's since they were little. He's a little older and just sort of adopted Matt as his brother. I met him when Matt and I were dating and I've always been impressed with his kindness. He has done more for Matt than almost anyone else, and someday I am going to elaborate on that. I feel like we owe so much to him and I have no idea how to adequately thank him for all he has done for us. I told Ethan, when I found out he was getting married, that we were coming whether we were invited or not. It was truly an honor to be there for their sealing. They seemed truly ecstatic that we came. Matt and I were both so happy to be there, to see Ethan, and to meet sweet and unbelievably beautiful Nathalie. I just had a sense or their love, of her amazing spirit, and the experience in the temple that day was one I won't forget. Their sealer said a few things that touched my heart and spoke to me in a way I can't explain. I was reminded me of what marriage is, the commitment, the sacredness of it.

On New Years Eve Dave and Traci took us out to a Thai restaurant. I have only been to one before and just had an appetizer so this was really my first time. I am hooked and still dreaming of the lemon grass soup. I have to figure out how to make it. I could eat Thai food, mild because I am a total spice-weenie, everyday for the rest of my life. It was amazing. We went to a movie and rang in the New Year like old tired people struggling to stay awake.

I missed the little munchkins but I got to talk to them a few times and I know they were in very good hands. Plus, their mommy and daddy came back happier and nicer. Win-win for everyone.

The only part of the trip that was less than ideal was that I just didn't feel very well. I guess it is in the cards for me to have some sort of cold/flu every year at Christmastime. Other than that, it really was such a good time. I feel like it was what Matt and I needed, but didn't realize we needed. I think married couples, especially when kids come into play, settle into a little bit of a rut. Just going about doing the daily things, playing our roles, and hurriedly kissing each other as we run out the door. Taking a little time to focus on why we love each other is so important and I know we don't do it often enough. Matt comes alive (and so do I) when he feels loved and paid attention to and we both feel so much happier. I am going to work harder at making this happen.